Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)

The Council adopted comprehensive conclusions on a new energy policy for Europe. The Taoiseach stated that the president of the European Central Bank, Mr. Jean-Claude Trichet, had pointed out that differing economic and social models are capable of achieving similar results. The Council's conclusions on energy policy focused on three main objectives, namely, security of supply, ensuring continuing competitiveness and promoting economic sustainability. The Government will publish a Green Paper on energy in the coming months and the spring Council next year will prioritise an action plan on the objectives of the energy policy. One of the results of the Council meeting is an improved EU-Russia dialogue to make energy policy more effective in the context of developing an interconnection action plan.

The Taoiseach reiterated that Ireland rejects the use of nuclear power, which is in keeping with the wishes of most of our people. He also pointed out that our small market is not necessarily attractive to major energy companies and we have difficulties in mobilising private sector investment for energy. However, we have agreed in principle to build interconnectors between Ireland and Britain, which will open up the route to the European grid, and we have strong support for proposals on renewable energy. Energy policy cuts across environment, climate change, transport, regional, research and development and external relations policies. The relevant Minister has recently promised grants for conservation of energy, particularly with regard to solar power, which is to be commended as a positive step forward.

The Taoiseach in his discussions with the Austrian Presidency referred to several national programmes that are in keeping with the Lisbon Agenda, including Science Foundation Ireland's centre for science, engineering and technology and the Skillnets and One Step Up programmes to equip our labour force. One of the major developments which Ireland has managed to latch onto and which has helped our economy to develop so strongly is investment in education and training. If we continue with this policy, we will be in line with the Lisbon Agenda in this regard.

Senators Ormonde and Quinn referred to the issue of jobs and the issue of being able to set up a company in Ireland within a week. I am sure it can be achieved in three days, although this is disputed by Senator Quinn. The Council agreed that by 2010 all unemployed young persons should be offered a job, apprenticeship, additional training or another measure within no more than four months. We are doing well in this regard as the national practice is to do so within six months, and our achievement of many other targets is ahead of other countries.

The Joint Committee on European Affairs met this morning with an Icelandic delegation. As many delegations have done, they questioned us on issues such as tax harmonisation, immigration and so on. The committee told the delegation that the Government objective was not to limit migration because immigrants were helping the country. It was accepted that there were problems with this policy but that we were coping with them. We also told the delegation that we would not agree to tax harmonisation because we are doing well out of it.

The Council meeting was comprehensive and useful, particularly with regard to energy issues. I wish the Taoiseach and his Ministers well.